Jo Butterfield has been confirmed as part of the wheelchair curling squad for the March 2026 Olympics as he attempts to become the first British athlete to win gold medals at the Summer and Winter Paralympics.
The 46-year-old won gold in club throwing at the 2016 Rio Olympics before switching from the Paralympics to curling in 2023.
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She won a world bronze medal in Canada’s mixed team event that year and will compete in a new mixed doubles event with Jason Keane next year after taking a brief break from the ice for cancer treatment.
“Ever since I first became a Paralympian, I’ve had this dream to push boundaries and see what’s possible,” said Butterfield, who grew up in Yorkshire but now represents Scotland.
“I’m very proud to now have the opportunity to compete for gold medals at the Summer and Winter Paralympics.
“This is the goal I set for myself when I first transitioned to wheelchair curling in 2023, and it’s a challenge I’m fully committed to taking on.”
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Butterfield and Keane are one of four England-born athletes in the seven-strong squad who will become the first British representatives from outside Scotland to compete in Paralympic curling.
Karen Aspey and Stewart Pimblett compete in the team event alongside Scots Hugh Nibloe, Austin McKenzie and Graeme Stewart, and will represent England at this year’s World Wheelchair Curling Championships with Kean.
Niblo is the only member of the team to have competed in a Winter Paralympics, with Milan Cortina competing in his third Winter Paralympics.
The 43-year-old from Stranraer has previously won world silver and bronze medals and is determined to reach the Paralympic podium for the first time.
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“Being selected is a huge honor and a career highlight, but I hope it’s third time lucky for me because I want to come back as a medalist this time,” he said.
